Nono Koné, also named N'ganon Koné, was a Koulé who died on the 8th of August 1970 in Tiogo. At the end of his lifetime he was menatlly ill. Karl-Heinz Krieg, who collected these two Kpelié masks, could date the left mask of a time of origin around 1940 and the double faced Kpelié (Yêchikpleyégué) of a time of origin around 1950.

Nono Koné did work at the same time as Wahana Dairassouba in Tiogo. It could not be clarified if they were in family relation. Both carvers have identical style elements, like the square mouth with a cross hatching or the scars under the oval shaped eyes (learn more about this in our blog).

The left mask is a classy Kpelié mask, presenting the Calao bird on top. The double faced mask does show a carved Tugubele couple. The Yêchikpleyégué mask is danced on a ceremony where the birth of twins is getting celebrated. The Tugubele symbolize protection and fortune for the new borns. The particular of the double faced mask is, that it can be seen by anyone during the celebration. It is not a mask for the Poro, where is not allowed, that women or children can see the mask dancing. Many books describe this genre of the Kpelié as a symbol of bisexuality. Which is not true. Also it is written, that it is a sign of an intelligent Koulé, that he can carve two faces. This notion is plausible and proofed.

Left: Kpelié mask, carved by Nono Koné, Koulé from Tiogo.

27,5 x 15,0 x 8,0 cm, wood. Collected by Karl-Heinz Krieg. Time of origin around 1940.

Literature:

- Wenn Brauch Gebrauch beeinflusst, Markus Ehrhard, pages 116 - 117.

- Wenn Urform Form bestimmt, Markus Ehrhard, pages 24 - 25, 40 - 41.

Right: Yêchikpleyégué (doublefaced Kpelié) mask, carved by Nono Koné, Koulé from Tiogo.

34,5x 18,0 x 9,0 cm, wood. Collected by Karl-Heinz Krieg. Time of origin around 1950.

Literature:

- Wenn Brauch Gebrauch beeinflusst, Markus Ehrhard, pages 118 - 119.

- Wenn Urform Form bestimmt, Markus Ehrhard, pages 24 - 25, 40 - 41.